Question

Describe the internal structure of the human kidney.

Answer 1

Kidneys

1. Kidneys are the principal organs of the excretory system that help in the removal of nitrogenous metabolic wastes from the body.
2. They are bean-shaped reddish color organs located on either side of the spine below the rib cage. The right kidney is located a little lower than the left kidney.
3. The kidney in its cross-section shows a distinct dark outer cortex and inner light medulla.
4. The kidney on the inner concave side has a notch called the renal hilum. It acts as the entry point for the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter. It further extends into the kidney forming the renal pelvis.
5. The renal medulla extends into the renal cortex forming pyramid-like structures. These are called medullary pyramids.
6. The space between the medullary pyramids is called Columns of Bertini.
7. Each renal medullary pyramid ends in renal papilla, which comes together to form the minor calyces.
8. These minor calyces merge together to form the major calyces.
9. The major calyces lead to form the renal pelvis which further leads to form the ureter.
10. Kidneys are made of nephrons. They are the basic structural and functional units of the kidneys.